Iowa City Hospital - Outpatient #2 - Chemo Round #3 - November 19

Thursday morning the 19th, one week delayed from the original plan, we had to be at the hospital by 7:00 AM for labs, then to see the doctor about 8 AM, and start chemo after 9 AM. I find it difficult to get up so early on chemo day, but you do what you have to do!

While I got my blood drawn for labs close to 7, everything else was delayed. My vitals were good and later my blood work came back normal as well. My weight is increasing, so that is a good thing. We waited to see the doctor well past 8 AM. Then we were ready to start chemo after 9:30 AM. Flexibility and patience are very important in these situations!

Outpatient chemo is easier than inpatient chemo and includes the bonus of being at HOME! My outpatient chemo is just part of one day. They start out with some pills, then give me a series of different drugs intravenously - some are as small as a shot, others take just 5-10 minutes, and then there is the long one, which takes several hours and also causes baldness.

I was able to rest for part of the time I was receiving chemo. Denise went to the cafeteria to pick up some lunch for the two of us. The time seemed to go faster for some reason.

Our cubicle (one of many) in the infusion lab
Me trying to rest while receiving chemo

Because the Neulasta On Body failed the last time, rather than risk that again, we decided to return the next afternoon to get the shot to boost my white blood cell count.

We picked up some prescriptions from the pharmacy and headed home.

As always, the big question in both of our minds is, "Will I be able to stay healthy and out of the hospital after this round of chemo?"